Anaheim ADU rules

JADU: up to 500 sq ft. ADU of 800 sq ft: capped at 800 sq ft. ADU over 800 sq ft: attached up to 50% of the main dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less (studio/one-bedroom up to 850 sq ft; two or more bedrooms up to 1,000 sq ft); detached up to 1,200 sq ft subject to accessory-structure limits in 18.04.080.020. Minimum habitable size 150 sq ft.^[2]

State law: a city's maximum size must allow at least 850 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft for more than one bedroom, and local rules cannot block an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks (Gov. Code 66321).^[5]

No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city.

State law: detached ADUs get at least 16 ft; 18 ft within a half mile walk of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor (plus 2 ft to match roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building; attached ADUs up to 25 ft or the main home's limit if lower (Gov. Code 66321).^[5]

For ADUs: 4 ft side and rear. Front setback follows the underlying zone. A detached ADU generally cannot sit closer to the front property line than the front-most wall of the main home, with listed conversion exceptions.^[2]

State law: side and rear setbacks can be no more than 4 ft for new ADUs; converted existing space needs no new setback (Gov. Code 66314, 66323).^[5]

No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city.

State law: at most 1 space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less, and none within a half mile walk of public transit, in a historic district, within one block of a car share, or for ADUs inside the house (Gov. Code 66314, 66322).^[5]

JADUs require recordation of an owner-occupancy covenant before the building permit is issued (owner must live in one of the units on the property).^[4][1]

State law: no owner occupancy requirement for ADUs (Gov. Code 66315). A JADU requires the owner to live on site if it shares a bathroom with the main home (Gov. Code 66333).^[5]

ADU Express (eligible single-family properties only): choose a pre-approved plan, get a free meter spot from Anaheim Public Utilities, then meet staff; the city says Building can issue the permit the same day after school fees are paid. Standard custom ADUs go through normal building plan check. Before plan check: sewer capacity verification from Public Works and, when needed, a meter spot report and new address request.^[3][4][1]

State law: the city must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days when there is an existing home on the lot (Gov. Code 66317).^[5]

Development impact and school district fees can apply; ADU Express materials note school fees must be paid before permit issuance. Confirm current amounts with Building and your school district.^[3]

State law: no impact fees on ADUs of 750 sq ft or less; above that, impact fees must be proportional to the size of the main home. Plan check, permit and school fees can still apply.^[5]